Throughout this guide you will see reference to different software and platforms used at Carey. Here is a brief introduction to each one:
Populi: We make use of the Populi SIS (Student Information System) at Carey, but not just to handle your files and student information. It is also our LMS (Learning Management System) which is where course work is stored and accessed, where you can engage fellow students in Groups, and also where you can make payments. In many ways, it is one of the central platforms at Carey.
Video Conferencing Software: We currently use the Zoom platform to host synchronous class meetings, though as further platforms develop we are always looking out for the best software that suits our needs. It may be useful to have some familiarity with various other platforms, such as Google Meets, FaceTime, Skype, or Microsoft Teams as potential options when meeting with others.
Online Libraries: Our library resources are handled through EBSCO and Digital Theological Library (DTL2), giving students access to textbooks online. We're committed to making required resources as close to 100% free as possible to eliminate financial barriers to your education.
Populi Introduction
Once you have submitted an application and have been accepted into a program, you will have received an email to set up your user account for Populi. This will be the central place for all of your academic information, so we recommend setting a strong password, and ensuring you don't share you login information with anyone else.
Whether you currently have an account or not, you start learning about Populi in their Introduction Guide.
Recommended Articles
- Populi's Welcome Page
- Logging in to Populi
- Account Settings
Your Populi Academic Information
To find your academic information, such as course info, transcripts, and degree information, check out Populi's Academic Information Guides.
Recommended Article
- Finding Academic Information
Planning Your Degree
Finding Course Information
Any available details for upcoming courses can be found on our courses page. This website updates every 24 with the more accurate information we have on hand. If you are looking for more information, you are more than welcome to contact the professor on record if their contact information is available.
Course Syllabi
A copy of the course syllabus can be found either on the page for each course, or in the course's information on Populi. Both Populi and the website will have the most up to date version available to us. Syllabus may be available from 9-6 months before the course begins, however these should not be considered final version. Faculty may make changes to the course leading up to the two month deadline. After the two month deadline for the final version, faculty may still change some details, but they must communicate these changes with any students actively registered in the course. Faculty will often communicate through the course dashboard on Populi, so we recommend registering for the course as soon as you plan to take the course so you can stay up to date to any syllabus changes.
Course Rotation
Most of our foundation courses will be offered on an annual rotation, and typically in the same term. So if you miss BIBL 502 in the Winter, you can expect it to be offered again in the next Winter term. As well, many other required courses will be offered on a bi-annual rotation. Electives and other special courses (e.g. in-depth book studies, or special topics) may only be offered every four years, and we recommend registering for them as they show up.
Course Prerequisites
As it currently stands, the only courses that require any prerequisite are the APPL 801/802 courses, which should be completed near the end of your degree, and any language courses (e.g., Greek and Hebrew). All other courses can be taken out of order, if desired. I.e., you can take Old Testament II before Old Testament I, or APPL 620 at the same time as Christian Thought I. We typically recommend taking the foundation courses first, but students are free to take courses in whatever order they wish.
Registering for Courses
We try to open registration an entire year ahead so that students can start to plan which courses they would like to take. To find more details on how to register in Populi, please consult this guide.
Populi's Degree Audit Function
Within Populi there is a degree audit function that you can use to determine what courses you still need to take before finishing your degree. Combined with the list of courses available to register, you can plan to finish your degree in the timeframe you desire, and at the pace you think would work best for you.
Your Populi Courses
While attending courses, you will need to know the basic structure of lessons, how to submit assignments, engage in discussions, and even use their mobile apps if you want. Check out Populi's Course Guides.
Recommended Articles
- Overview of Populi Courses
- Course Lessons
- Submitting Assignments
- Discussions
Digital Theological Library (DTL2)
Carey is a member of the Digital Theological Library, a growing collection of over 400,000 books, 71,000,000 journal articles, and 34,000 journals. This resource is available to all active students at Carey, and will be the major database used for most course materials and research at Carey.
EBSCO
Carey's student has access to an online library of eBooks for theological study in collaboration with EBSCO—one of the largest and most important suppliers of online resources for research libraries. At present we have subscribed to a major collection called “EBSCO eBooks Religion,” containing approximately 7,000 volumes, more than 6,000 of which are directly related to religion, theology, and biblical studies. In addition, we have purchased individual eBooks which are strategically important for our classes and for student and faculty research. Our goal is to develop a useful, high-quality library of eBooks to support our learning community in the years to come.
To access Carey's digital libraries, please visit this guide on Accessing Carey's Digital Libraries.
As an online school, it is important that students' internet connectivity be adequate for completing course work and properly engaging with classmates. While the overall data and connection requirements may vary depending on certain activities, there are a few areas you should determine whether you will have a proper connection.
Zoom Meetings
Courses will usually have a minimum of two Zoom meetings in a term, though often more than that. The basic requirements is that students have 1.5mbps upload, and 5mbps download. If you need to test your connection, there are various free tests you can find simply by searching "internet speed test" which should give you a relatively accurate report.
Online Library
Access to titles in our online library platform(s) requires an active connection. Some titles do allow for downloading depending on publisher permissions, but this isn't always the case.
Data Usage
For students who have a cap on data usage, here is a general breakdown:
- Zoom meetings can use up 1gb per hour.
- For courses where you will need to upload a video, a standard 3 minute video will take up about 325mb.
- Text files and PDFs will usually vary between 100kb to 3mb (or 3,000kb) depending on factors like images, compression, and length.
Carey Theological College holds all students to a high standard of academic integrity. This means that each student is expected to engage in honest and responsible scholarship, submitting original work and giving credit to others when appropriate. Academic dishonesty—such as plagiarizing or using unauthorized resources—can result in serious consequences, including failure of assignments or courses, and even dismissal.
Examples of Academic Dishonesty:
- Plagiarism: Presenting another person’s work, ideas, or words as your own without proper acknowledgment.
- Self-Plagiarism: Submitting the same work for credit in more than one course, whether at Carey or another institution.
- Unauthorized Assistance: Using unauthorized aids during exams, collaborating without permission, or recording and distributing lectures without consent.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty:
Penalty for a lack of academic integrity may include a failing grade in the assignment, examination or course, depending on the severity of the offense. All students are responsible for knowing and practicing academic integrity.
Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious form of academic dishonesty and involves using someone else’s ideas or words without giving credit. Carey has a tiered response to plagiarism based on severity:
Minor Plagiarism: Occurs when a small number of phrases or ideas are used without credit. Instructors may address this by counseling the student on proper citation practices and requiring resubmission of the assignment.
Substantial Plagiarism: Involves larger blocks of uncredited material or distinctive ideas that are critical to the argument. This may result in resubmission with a grade reduction, up to failing the course.
Severe Plagiarism: Involves presenting another person’s complete work as one’s own. This results in an automatic failure of the course, with a formal reprimand added to the student’s record. Repeated offenses lead to expulsion.
Research Ethics
All research involving data-gathering from human subjects (through surveys, interviews, etc.) for Carey courses and programs must conform to the current Carey policy on research ethics, which is available from the Registrar’s Office. This is particularly important for the DMin program, but has implications for other students whose research interests may potentially intersect with current Canadian privacy legislation and related academic policies at Carey, UBC, and in the Canadian higher education community.
Further Writing Help
Carey Theological College follows the Turabian style for citations. To assist you, we recommend using the Carey Academic Paper Guidelines. You can find a comprehensive guide to the Chicago Manual of Style online. There is also a quick guide available that should help you with most common citations.
FAQs
Do I need to travel to Vancouver at any point in my degree?
No, the entire degree can be completed online, including the graduation ceremony.
Does the Tuition-Free Start program cover DMin courses?
No, the Tuition-Free Start program only applies to new applicants for Master’s-level courses. However, we offer a generous financial aid package for qualified students.
Where do I get my required books?
Carey provides access to a growing digital library through the DTL2 (Digital Theological Library 2) collection. We are committed to ensuring students have the necessary resources for free or at minimal cost, so that financial constraints or availability of books do not hinder your learning.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, Carey offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including the Tuition-Free Start program for new Master’s students. Please note that you can apply for one of our generous financial aid awards only after you have been admitted.
If I enroll in Mandarin/Cantonese courses, do I need to meet the English requirements for admission?
No, if you have completed four or more consecutive years of full-time education in Mandarin or Cantonese in a country where one of these is the primary language, you do not need to meet the English requirement.
Can I get a study visa as a Carey student?
No, since Carey is a fully online institution, it does not qualify for immigration-related visas or study permits.
What is the academic year like at Carey?
The academic year is divided into four 10-week terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, with a 3-week break between each term.
If you’re unsure about any of these guidelines or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your academic advisor or contact the Registrar’s Office for clarification.